In the third chapter, “The Gospel in the Workplace,” Traeger and Gilbert list six reasons why our identity as Christians gives us great freedom in the workplace.

1. Working for Jesus Gives You the Freedom to Worship God through Your Work

Traeger and Gilbert ask, “What does worship in the workplace look like?” They then answer,

To worship is to give God the honor he deserves. This means obeying God in every task you perform, knowing that when you do that task with all your heart, you are pleasing God.

They continue, saying that our workplaces are arenas for learning more about God, seeing his work, and enjoying his presence in our jobs. All these things are acts of worship we can perform through our work.

2. Working for Jesus Gives You the Freedom to Serve Others Wholeheartedly

God first loved us, freeing us to go and love others, including our coworkers:

But everything you think you need that appreciation and respect for…is already yours in Jesus. You are freed from having your identity tied to what people think about you. You are free to serve them without an agenda.

3. Working for Jesus Gives You the Freedom to Trust God in Your Work

Our work presents an opportunity to trust God in the midst of stressful circumstances. As Traeger and Gilbert comment, “We trust him [God] with our future because he has already secured it for eternity.”

4. Working for Jesus Gives You the Freedom to Rest from Your Work

It’s easy to think the fate of the world (or even just our office) rests on our shoulders. Yet in reality, everything is ultimately dependent on God. Resting reminds of this fact. It also allows us to enjoy the work of our hands.

5. Working for Jesus Gives You the Freedom to Do Your Work Well

Traeger and Gilbert sum up this point, saying,

If you are doing your work for Jesus, you are free from the unsatisfying allure of the carrot and the painful whack of the stick.

We are motivated to do our best at work because of all Jesus has done for us.

6. Working for Jesus Gives You the Freedom to have Joy in Your Work

Sometimes work seems meaningless, but your relationship with Jesus changes that. He notices the work you do, giving your work for him a lasting significance.

This important chapter ends with the idea that we should work ethically, honor our superiors, and take satisfaction in a job well done.

As Christians who have been redeemed by grace, everything in our lives should be different – including our work.

Summing up these points, Traeger and Gilbert write,

You are free. Free from the need to secure self-worth through performance. Free from the fear you will lose what is most precious to you if things don’t go well. Free from the mad dash to work, work, work without any rest—as if the world depended on your effort. Free to work before the King with joy, even if it’s not the work you would have chosen for yourself. Free to serve others as you worship the King. It really is true. Working for Jesus changes…everything.